Tasmania is Australia's wild south — a road trip of wilderness retreats, cool-climate wineries and empty, dramatic coastline, from the sandstone streets of Hobart to the fishing port of Stanley. We handpicked our favourite places to stay, eat and explore across the island, from famous shacks on the water's edge to lavender fields and a cruise through World Heritage wilderness. Here's Tasmania as we travelled it.
Where to stay
Grande Vue Hotel · Hobart
A charming mansion in one of Hobart's trendy suburbs, within walking distance of the Salamanca markets.
The Keep
One of Tasmania's ultimate wilderness escapes.
Sabi · Binalong Bay
A luxury, authentic stone and timber cabin within walking distance of Binalong Bay.
Stillwater Seven · Launceston
Stay in one of seven superbly appointed rooms overlooking the Tamar River, and dine at the casual fine-dining restaurant.
Ship Inn Stanley · Stanley
A beautiful luxury boutique hotel in the port town of Stanley.
Captains Rest · Strahan
On the edge of Lettes Bay, this hand-built fisherman's shack is fondly known as Tasmania's most famous Airbnb.
Pumphouse Point · Lake St Clair
Time stands still at this adults-only wilderness retreat, set amongst Tasmania's raw beauty.
Piermont · Swansea
29 self-contained cosy cottages and luxury residences — a unique waterfront hideaway with easy beach access.
Triptych - The Blunt House · Koonya
An outstanding three-bedroom, three-bathroom house for up to six guests, fully self-contained with amazing views.
Triptych - The Glass House · Koonya
Stargaze amongst the Tasmanian landscape — one bedroom, one bathroom, for two guests.
Where to eat & drink
Jackman & McRoss Bakery · Hobart
A hard-to-miss cafe in trendy Battery Point, with a great selection of cakes, pastries, breakfasts and lunches.
Stillwater Restaurant · Launceston
Casual fine dining and a great selection of Tasmanian wines.
Blackcow Bistro · Launceston
Great premium steaks and seafood in a buzzing bistro atmosphere.
Elaia Cafe & Restaurant · Launceston
A Mediterranean menu infused with traditional Greek fare.
Havilah Wine Bar · Launceston
A cosy spot with a great selection of Tasmanian and international wines and cocktails, plus casual dining from a selected food menu.
Le Cafe on St George · Launceston
A quirky little French cafe serving hearty breakfasts and coffee.
Hursey Seafoods · Stanley
Great views of the bay while you dine on freshly caught seafood — a must-try is the southern rock lobster.
Stanley Wine Bar · Stanley
A quirky wine bar with a warm atmosphere, for small eats and drinks with friends.
The Hub · Binalong Bay
A seaside bar with a view, also serving wood-fired pizzas.
Ross Bakery · Ross
Famous for Tasmania's scallop pie.
What to see & do
Salamanca Markets · Hobart
Hobart's famous markets, within walking distance of the Grande Vue Hotel.
Floating Sauna Lake Derby · Lake Derby
Perfect for sore muscles after a day on the famous Derby bike trails — a must-book.
Bridestowe Estate
Breathtaking lavender fields, best viewed in December and January.
The Wall in the Wilderness · Derwent Bridge
An amazing 100-metre sculpture by Greg Duncan — a must-see when touring Tasmania.
Little Blue Lake
A stunning turquoise man-made lake and a tourist hot spot, worth the drive.
Lilydale Falls
Two cascading falls in a reserve, only 25 minutes' drive from Launceston.
Binalong Bay & the Bay of Fires
A small coastal town in the Bay of Fires area, 11km from the nearest town of St Helens.
Gordon River Cruise · Strahan
A must-do — cruise the Gordon River through a UNESCO World Heritage area, the wilderness at the centre of the 1980s Franklin Dam controversy.
Tamar Valley Wine Tastings · Near Launceston
Taste your way through the Tamar Valley, with local and French cheeses along the way. A few of the cellar doors worth a stop:
- Josef Chromy
- Evenfall
- Stoney Rise
Know before you go
Getting there: Fly into Hobart (HBA) in the south or Launceston (LST) in the north, both with mainland connections. Or bring your own car across on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Geelong to Devonport.
Getting around: Tasmania is a road-trip island — hire a car. The highlights are spread from Hobart in the south to Stanley in the north-west, and much of the joy is in the drive. We hired a Ford Everest 4WD and were grateful we did, as there's a lot of unsealed road.
Best time to visit: Summer (December to February) is warmest and busiest, with the Bridestowe lavender in bloom. Autumn is crisp and colourful, spring is fresh and green, and winter is cold but atmospheric for wilderness lodges.
How long to stay: Allow 7 to 14 days to loop the island properly — Hobart, Launceston, the east-coast Bay of Fires, the west-coast wilderness around Strahan and the north-west to Stanley. We took three weeks to see everything comfortably.
Good to know: Distances take longer than the map suggests on winding roads, and wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk — avoid driving after dark where you can.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay in Tasmania?
It's a road-trip island, so we spread our stays across it: the Grande Vue Hotel in Hobart, Stillwater Seven in Launceston, Ship Inn in Stanley, and wilderness retreats like Pumphouse Point at Lake St Clair and Captains Rest near Strahan — Tasmania's most famous Airbnb.
How many days do you need in Tasmania?
Allow 7 to 14 days to loop the island properly — Hobart, Launceston, the east-coast Bay of Fires, the west-coast wilderness around Strahan and the north-west to Stanley. We took three weeks to see it all comfortably; with less time, base yourself in the south or north and explore one region in depth.
What are the must-do experiences in Tasmania?
Cruise the Gordon River through World Heritage wilderness from Strahan, wander Hobart's Salamanca markets, taste your way through the Tamar Valley wineries, see the lavender fields at Bridestowe, and take in the Bay of Fires and the extraordinary Wall in the Wilderness at Derwent Bridge.
When is the best time to visit Tasmania?
Summer (December to February) brings the warmest, longest days and the lavender in bloom at Bridestowe, but it's also the busiest. Autumn is crisp and colourful, spring is fresh and green, and winter is cold but atmospheric — ideal for wilderness lodges and firesides.
How do you get around Tasmania?
Hiring a car is the way to see Tasmania — the highlights are spread from Hobart in the south to Stanley in the north-west, and much of the joy is in the drive. We hired a Ford Everest 4WD and were grateful we did, as there's a lot of unsealed road. The Spirit of Tasmania ferry and flights connect the island to the mainland.
Where's the best wine region in Tasmania?
There are several good wine regions, including the Tamar Valley, Pipers River, Coal River Valley, Derwent Valley and the East Coast. Time permitting, we only made it to the Tamar Valley — famous for cool-climate wines and cellar doors like Stoney Rise, Evenfall and Josef Chromy, with local and French cheeses along the route.